Nationwide earns a rating of 9.1 out of 10.0 for its variety of comprehensive car insurance options and extensive discount opportunities for drivers.
Discover if you are overpaying for car insurance below.
Nationwide Insurance Reviews
Updated:
Jun 28, 2024
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide offers many add-on coverage options for drivers that need that extra protection, like accident forgiveness and vanishing deductibles.
- To make up for its higher costs, Nationwide offers 12 auto insurance discount opportunities, which include two usage-based insurance programs.
- You should compare your own personalized quote from Nationwide with at least two other providers before making a decision.
In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team will take a closer look at Nationwide Insurance reviews, car, home and life insurance coverage options and average costs to determine who may benefit most from its policies. Anytime you shop for an insurance policy, we recommend comparing prices from the industry’s best car insurance and cheapest car insurance companies and best homeowners insurance providers to find the best deal.
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Nationwide Car Insurance Reviews
We rate Nationwide car insurance a 9.1 out of 10.0 for its comprehensive car insurance coverage, widespread availability and positive consumer reviews in 2024. The score “9.1” was aggregated from the company’s performance across five critical areas: cost, coverage, reputation, availability and customer experience.
| Overall Rating | 9.1 |
|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 8.5 |
| Availability | 9.8 |
| Coverage | 8.9 |
| Cost | 9.7 |
| Customer Experience | 8.9 |
*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology below.
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Is Nationwide a Good Insurance Company?
Founded: 1925
Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
AM Best financial strength rating: A+
Yes, Nationwide is a good insurance company for most drivers. It offers unique coverage options for drivers and usage-based programs to lower the cost of car insurance. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Nationwide wrote over $5.5 billion in premiums in 2022 and owns 1.99% of the overall market share. This puts it as the tenth overall largest provider in the U.S.
Here are a few unique characteristics and features that Nationwide offers:
- Solid financial backing: Nationwide has the financial strength to pay out customer claims. Its A+(Superior) rating from AM Best backs this up.
- Variety of car insurance coverage options: The company provides a range of add-on coverage options that include gap insurance and accident forgiveness.
- Many discount opportunities: Drivers can take advantage of the company’s many discounts and usage-based programs.
Nationwide Pros and Cons
Here are a few of the pros and cons of purchasing a Nationwide car insurance policy.
Nationwide Customer Reviews
Overall, Nationwide insurance customer reviews are average. Positive Nationwide customer reviews mention the company’s customer service, timeliness and professionalism. Negative customer reviews focus on the insurance claims process, with many reporting that claims were denied or that they had trouble communicating with representatives.
Our team reached out to Nationwide for comment on its industry scores and negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Nationwide Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction
In August 2022, our team conducted a car insurance satisfaction survey that polled 6,923 people across the country. We found that 3% of respondents had a Nationwide car insurance policy.
Here’s a look at how Nationwide customers rate the company compared with the overall average from our survey:
| Nationwide Average | Insurance Company Industry Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Discounts and Savings Programs | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Selection of Coverage and Add-Ons | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Car Insurance Shopping Process | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Company Website | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Nationwide Insurance Reviews: Reddit
Though Reddit is a news aggregator and discussion site, many users seek advice and share their experiences with car insurance companies. We searched for Nationwide reviews on Reddit to see how internet users discussed the insurance provider in a more casual setting.
Positive reviews of Nationwide on Reddit cited the low cost of its pay-per-mile program. Negative comments about Nationwide tend to mention difficulty with the claims process and cancellation policy.
Our review team reached out to Nationwide for a comment on these negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Nationwide Insurance Claims
Our survey also found that 43% of respondents with a Nationwide car insurance policy filed a claim, while 57% have not. Most participants in our survey were happy with Nationwide’s customer service during the claims process, giving it a 4.2-star rating out of 5.0.
Additionally, respondents gave the company a 4.2-star rating for satisfaction with the claim outcome or settlement.
Nationwide Insurance Ratings
Below are the general opinions and ratings customers gave on Nationwide’s app and the company as a whole — through the BBB and J.D. Power consumer studies.
Nationwide Insurance App
The Nationwide mobile app allows users to access policy details and file claims. Out of 10,000+ reviews, it holds a 4.6-star rating out of 5.0 on Google Play. On the App Store, it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 based on 23,000+ reviews.
Nationwide Insurance Reviews: J.D. Power
Nationwide ranked just below the segment average with 858 out of a possible 1,000 points in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping StudySM, which determines customer satisfaction with each stage of the shopping experience.
Nationwide Insurance Reviews: BBB
Nationwide holds an A+ rating from the BBB. While its 200+ BBB complaints in the past three years may seem like a large number, Nationwide customer reviews on the BBB website encompass all of the insurer’s offerings, not just car insurance.
Our team reached out to Nationwide for comment on its complaints but did not receive a response.
Nationwide Car Insurance Coverage
Nationwide has nearly 100 years of experience providing drivers with comprehensive insurance options. It’s important to note that each state has its own laws that dictate the types of car insurance and minimum coverage limits drivers must purchase.
Nationwide Coverage
The standard types of insurance you can get with a Nationwide auto insurance policy include:
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | A type of liability car insurance that covers other drivers and their passengers when you are at fault in an accident |
| Property damage liability (PD) | Covers other vehicles in accidents you cause |
| Collision insurance | Covers your vehicle no matter who is at fault |
| Comprehensive insurance | Covers vehicle damage from environmental factors such as floods, fires and fallen tree branches, as well as theft and vandalism |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | Covers medical expenses, lost wages and death benefits for you and your passengers in no-fault states |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers |
| Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM) | Protects you when you are in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance |
Many states only require liability insurance. You may see it written as 15/30/10, which means $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 in property damage liability per accident.
Nationwide Auto Coverage Options
Beyond these standard plans, Nationwide offers add-on coverage options, such as:
- Roadside assistance: Provides help if you need towing, fuel delivery, a tire change or a jump-start
- Rental reimbursement coverage: Provides access to a rental car or other transportation while your car is in a repair shop after a covered accident
- Gap coverage: Pays the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and what you owe on your car loan in case of an accident
- Accident forgiveness: Keeps your rate from increasing after your first at-fault accident or minor violation
- Vanishing deductible: Allows you to take $100 off your deductible for each year of safe driving, up to $500
- Total loss deductible waiver: Has your physical damage deductible waived in the event of a total loss
How Much Does Nationwide Car Insurance Cost?
Our cost estimates for full coverage policies show that 35-year-old drivers with clean records and good credit typically pay an average of $1,433 per year or $119 per month for Nationwide auto insurance. This is below the national average of $2,008 per year.
Nationwide Insurance Price
Your car insurance prices depend on a number of factors, and the rates that you receive from Nationwide may not reflect the estimates below. The easiest way to determine your monthly payment is to get a personalized free quote.
Nationwide Insurance Quote Estimates by Age
One factor that greatly influences the price you pay for car insurance is your age. Younger drivers and/or policyholders tend to pay more for car insurance since they do not have an established driving record. Our cost research shows that Nationwide tends to cost significantly less than the national average for all groups.
The table shows average monthly and annual cost estimates by age for a Nationwide insurance policy.
| Age | Average Monthly Cost Estimate | Average Annual Cost Estimate | National Average Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | $403 | $4,835 | $7,581 |
| 17 | $353 | $4,238 | $5,612 |
| 18 | $344 | $4,132 | $4,958 |
| 21 | $179 | $2,147 | $2,786 |
| 25 | $139 | $1,663 | $2,336 |
| 35 | $119 | $1,433 | $2,008 |
| 45 | $112 | $1,342 | $1,923 |
| 55 | $102 | $1,229 | $1,767 |
| 65 | $105 | $1,263 | $1,648 |
| 75 | $123 | $1,479 | $1,912 |
*Costs for 17, 18, 21, 65 and 75-year-olds taken from 2022 data
Nationwide Car Insurance Quote Estimates By Driver Profile
Here are a few more full coverage rate estimates for Nationwide according to different driving profiles.
| Nationwide Monthly Average Cost Estimate | Nationwide Average Annual Cost Estimate | National Average Annual Cost Estimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-year-old driver with good credit and driving history | $116 | $1,392 | $2,008 |
| 25-year-old driver with good credit and driving history | $139 | $1,663 | $2,336 |
| 35-year-old driver with poor credit | $173 | $2,072 | $3,829 |
| 35-year-old driver with a recent single vehicle accident | $197 | $2,368 | $2,919 |
| 35-year-old driver with a DUI | $274 | $3,288 | $3,431 |
Is Nationwide Insurance Expensive?
No, Nationwide insurance is not expensive for most drivers. In fact, Our cost estimates show that Nationwide has some of the cheapest rates for good drivers.
Compare Nationwide Car Insurance Quote Estimates
The table below includes average costs for leading regional and national providers to highlight how Nationwide compares. The rate estimates are for a 35-year-old married driver with good credit and a clean driving history.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost Estimate | Average Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $126 | $1,512 |
| Erie | $122 | $1,458 |
| Nationwide | $119 | $1,433 |
| Geico | $133 | $1,596 |
| Auto-Owners | $135 | $1,619 |
| State Farm | $138 | $1,657 |
| American Family | $154 | $1,851 |
| Progressive | $169 | $2,030 |
| Travelers | $133 | $1,595 |
| Allstate | $217 | $2,598 |
Nationwide Car Insurance Quote Estimates by State
The table below shows annual Nationwide cost estimates across the country. The estimates are based on the profile of a 35-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good credit.
| State | Nationwide Annual | State | Nationwide Annual |
| Alabama | $1,567 | New Mexico | $1,602 |
| Colorado | $1,695 | North Carolina | $1,518 |
| Connecticut | $1,931 | Ohio | $825 |
| District of Columbia | $2,688 | Pennsylvania | $1,182 |
| Rhode Island | $2,190 | ||
| Kansas | $1,473 | Texas | $1,732 |
| Maryland | $1,732 | Vermont | $1,006 |
| Mississippi | $1,367 | ||
| Montana | $1,401 | West Virginia | $1,242 |
*Cost information not available for all states where Nationwide is offered.
Why Is Nationwide So Expensive?
While Nationwide offers lower car insurance rates on average, there are instances where some drivers could pay more than others. That’s because car insurance rates are influenced by several factors, some of which are in your control and some that are not. Knowing what factors are in your control can help you ensure you get the best rate possible.
Here are the most common factors that affect car insurance rates:
- Your location: Certain locations where weather is more of a factor or in large cities where accidents are more common may cause your premiums to rise.
- Vehicle: Typically cars that are more expensive to maintain will also cost more to insure.
- Age/gender/marital status: Younger drivers will end up paying more for car insurance than older, married drivers.
- Driving history: High-risk drivers, or those with an at-fault accident, traffic violation or DUI will pay higher insurance premiums.
- Credit score: Having a low credit score can mean paying dramatically more for car insurance.
Nationwide Car Insurance Discounts
To help drivers save on their premiums, Nationwide offers a variety of car insurance discounts, including:
- Multi-policy: Bundling two types of Nationwide insurance allows you to receive a discount.
- SmartRide: Join the company’s usage-based insurance program.
- SmartMiles: Get flexible monthly rates based on how much you drive.
- No accidents: Receive a discount on your insurance plan by maintaining an accident-free driving record.
- Good student: Drivers aged 16 to 24 who maintain a B average or better in school are eligible for discounts.
- Defensive driving: Complete a state-approved safety course to receive a discount.
- Anti-theft: Install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to get a discount.
- Safe driver: You may receive a discount if you remain free of at-fault accidents and major violations.
- Easy Pay sign-up: Set up automatic payments to receive a one-time discount.
Nationwide also offers drivers free annual insurance evaluations, known as On Your Side® reviews. A Nationwide insurance agent will schedule a time to speak with you to make sure that your policy is working out and answer any questions you have.
Nationwide Homeowners Insurance
Nationwide home insurance costs are affordable compared to competitors. The home insurance quotes our team received from Nationwide tended to be lower than the national average homeowners paid in 2018 of $1,249 per year, according to the NAIC.
Nationwide Home Insurance Quote
The estimates below are based on quotes for single-family homes.
| Location | Home Square Footage | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKinleyville, Calif. | 1,344 square feet | $91 | $1,088 |
| Charlotte, N.C. | 1,595 square feet | $103 | $1,233 |
| Mechanicsburg, Pa. | 2,144 square feet | $89 | $1,072 |
| Richmond, Va. | 2,112 square feet | $75 | $901 |
What Factors Affect Home Insurance Costs?
Your home insurance quote from Nationwide is based on various factors, including your location and property details. Here are some factors that can influence the final price you pay for coverage:
- Location: The state and ZIP code where you live or purchase your home can affect your premium. States that are prone to natural disasters have higher home insurance rates overall.
- Claims history: Homeowners who have filed a claim within the past three to five years can expect to see a spike in their home insurance rates. Speak to a Nationwide agent to get a more accurate estimate if you have a recent claim.
- Property details: Having features like a pool or trampoline can cause you to pay more for home insurance. Insurance companies may see it as a liability concern and added insurance risk.
- Coverage needs: Homes with a high value may raise the rates you pay for dwelling coverage. This is because the costs to repair or rebuild after a covered accident will be greater.
- Deductible: Homeowners with a lower deductible have higher insurance premiums. If you want to lower your rates, consider choosing a higher deductible.
Nationwide Home Insurance Discounts
Nationwide stands out due to its wide variety of home insurance discounts. These include:
| Nationwide Home Insurance Discount | Details |
|---|---|
| Multi-policy discount | Get a discount on home and renters insurance when you bundle your home and auto insurance with Nationwide. |
| Home purchase discount | Receive a discount if you purchased a home within the last 12 months. |
| Protective device discount | Earn a discount on your premium if your home has smoke detectors, fire alarms, burglar alarms or other monitoring devices. |
| Prior insurance discount | This discount is available to new members who were previously insured by another provider. |
| Claims-free discount | Qualify for a lower home insurance premium when you stay claims-free. |
| Gated community discount | A discount is available when all entrances to your community are protected by security guards, residence cards or key-lock devices. |
| Home renovation credit | Get a discount for renovating your home’s plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical systems. |
| Roof rating discount | Save on your insurance premium if you have a new roof. |
Nationwide Smart Home Insurance Program
Nationwide’s smart home program uses the Notion Smart Home Monitoring System to keep your home safe from water damage, break-ins and fires. When you add this program to your policy, you get:
- A discount on your property insurance
- Nearly 50% off the price of the Notion kit
- Potential for less damage with early detection
The program is currently available in the following states and Washington D.C.:
| Alabama | Arizona | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
| Delaware | District of Columbia | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana |
| Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Massachusetts | Maryland |
| Mississippi | Missouri | Ohio | Tennessee | Texas |
| Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington |
Nationwide Home Insurance Coverage
Home insurance is a property insurance policy that financially protects your home in the event of a disaster or accident, covering losses to the house and its contents. Nationwide offers standard home insurance coverage in addition to several add-on coverage options. Our experts named it Most Inclusive Standard Coverage for its many home insurance policies.
| Nationwide Home Insurance Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Dwelling | Helps protect your home’s structure, built-in appliances and wall-to-wall carpet from damage after a covered event |
| Ordinance or law insurance | May help pay to rebuild your home to current building codes after a covered loss |
| Contents | Covers your personal property not attached to or built into your home, such as furniture or clothing |
| Other structures | Protects additional structures not connected to your house such as a shed, fence, barn, detached garage or gazebo |
| Personal liability | Helps pay for damages caused by an accident in your home to someone or something |
| Loss of use | Covers your additional living expenses if you’re unable to live in your home due to a covered loss |
| Medical payments to others | May help pay for the medical or funeral expenses of someone who is injured on your property |
| Credit card coverage | Pays up to a selected limit for unauthorized transactions on your credit cards and debit card |
Nationwide Endorsements
Additionally, Nationwide provides add-on home insurance options for homeowners. These include:
| Nationwide Endorsement Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Identity theft | Helps keep your data secure from risks and cybersecurity |
| Water backup | Expands coverage if water backs up through your sewer or drains, or if your sump pump overflows |
| Valuables Plus® | Provides additional coverage for high-value items such as jewelry, watches, antiques and fine art |
| Earthquake | Provides additional coverage for earthquake damage |
| Replacement cost plus | Can pay up to an extra 20% of your property coverage limit if your home needs to be rebuilt after a loss |
| Flood insurance | Protects your home and its contents from flood damage |
Nationwide Life Insurance
Besides offering auto and home insurance coverage, Nationwide also provides life insurance policies for its clients. These policies can provide security for your loved ones after you pass away or after a designated period of time. It can pay off college, your mortgage, cover any final expenses or estate taxes.
Nationwide Life Insurance Coverage
Nationwide offers two main types of life insurance coverage — term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance covers you for a specified amount of time, while permanent life insurance can be broken down into universal, whole and variable coverage.
Here’s a closer look at the different types of life insurance coverage offered by Nationwide:
- Term life insurance: This can be used to replace lost income. It provides a safety net for your family and helps them meet their financial goals.
- Universal life insurance: This policy offers flexible payment options, death benefits and cash value.
- Whole life insurance: This life insurance policy can be used as part of your estate planning to help preserve the wealth you plan to hand down to your beneficiaries.
- Variable life insurance: This offers whole life protection and an investing component similar to a mutual fund.
Nationwide Auto Insurance Reviews: The Bottom Line
In our Nationwide car insurance guide, we rate the company an 8.7 out of 10.0 based on the same criteria used to assess all car insurance providers.
Nationwide Insurance Alternatives
While Nationwide insurance can be a good option for many drivers, it may not be the best choice for everyone. It’s important to compare car insurance quotes from providers to find the company that best fits your needs.
Geico: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Geico offers six standard coverage options with several add-ons, including emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, rideshare insurance and mechanical breakdown insurance. The company also offers drivers usage-based insurance discounts through its DriveEasy telematics insurance program with a highly–rated mobile app, which is available in select states.
Keep reading: Geico insurance review
USAA: Best for Military Members
USAA ranked well in our review of the top car insurance companies in the industry, known for its affordable rates and high scores in J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys. USAA also features 14 discounts that drivers can take part in, including discounts for new cars, good students, and stored vehicles. However, the company is only available to military members, veterans and their families, so it’s not an option for everyone.
Keep reading: USAA insurance review
Nationwide Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about Nationwide insurance:
Yes, Nationwide is a good company providing comprehensive insurance coverage for drivers. It offers six standard insurance plans with the option for drivers to add extra coverage such as roadside assistance and gap coverage.
No, Nationwide has not announced any plans to go out of business. The company has been around for almost 100 years.
We found that Nationwide has average rates compared with competitors. Most estimates we received from the company fell within the reported average from the NAIC.
Nationwide currently holds A+ ratings from the BBB and AM Best. Our review team gave the provider a score of 9.1 out of 10.0.
Nationwide has a strong A+ rating from AM Best for financial strength based on the provider’s ability to pay claims. However, its customer satisfaction for its claims process was at a score under the industry average for the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study℠.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Cost: Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Coverage: Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Reputation and experience: Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Customer experience: This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 45 companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.
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